Visitor Services Associate - Part Time

The Tenement Museum is seeking a part-time Visitor Services Associate, who would work Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. Applicants must have flexible availability and availability to work ab occasional evening shift. The Visitor Services Associate position is a fast-paced, dynamic position that is both fun and rewarding. We expect potential visitor services associates to have a strong work ethic, the ability to multitask, stamina to keep calm under pressure, and the ability to create a positive and engaging experience for our visitors. Applicants should be hardworking, genuine, outgoing, and amiable. Our goal is to provide our customers with a great experience complimented by exemplary customer service.

Visitor Services associates are responsible for the following:

Describing and selling guided tours to visitors

Facilitating all admissions to the museum

Proactively greeting and engaging visitors in a dialogue about the museum

Providing exceptional customer service

Credit Card and Cash transactions

Possessing the knowledge and comfort to make restaurant and shopping recommendations for establishments on the Lower East Side

Comfortable asking for Donations for the museum

Selling Memberships

Handling ticketing refunds or exchanges when necessary

Managing visitor expectations

Displaying passion for New York history and our retail products

Line and crowd Management

Prioritizing tasks with an attention to detail while ensuring a customer-first focus

Developing a positive working relationship by appreciating and learning from fellow associates

Actively seeking new challenges and increased responsibility

Maintaining the sales floor by straightening, organizing, cleaning, and restocking merchandise and brochures

Helping VS manager train part-time associates

Gift Wrapping

Being capable of lifting 20 pounds and standing for long periods.

Possessing knowledge and proficiency in technology.

Knowledge of POS or Altru ticketing a plus.

Interested?To apply you please submit the following through our career portal (1) a cover letter that describes how you are a great sales person; (2) In your cover letter please briefly describe a time that an employee enriched your travel experience and why? and (3) your resume (all in either PDF or .doc form) through the link above to the Tenement website.

Evening Events Staff - Freelancers

The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is seeking outgoing and lively individuals to assist the Museum with a variety of evening events on a freelance basis at the Museum. This position requires a flexible schedule, the ability to stand for long hours, and the capacity to move heavy furniture. Experience with food and beverage handling, as well as an interest in the history and foods of New York City, while not required, are favored. Customer service experience is required.

The Events Staff will be required to participate in the preparation, execution, and break down of events.

I. Preparation for Events

Preparation for these events includes three stages:

First: Walking or taking public transit to numerous restaurants in the Lower East Side to pick up the various foods that will be served;

Second: Setting up of events spaces and food handling devices;

Third: Food preparation, which includes washing, chopping and plating food.

II. Execution of Events

Event execution includes ‘front of house’ and ‘back of house’ staff:

‘Front of house’ includes a bartender – no drink mixing necessary – and staff to sweep the events space, remove used plates and bottles, empty trash when necessary, restock food table to keep a bountiful appearance, and ability to answer any questions that the patrons may have.

‘Back of house’ will make sure that extra or back up plates of food are ready, and clean the kitchen as the event progresses.

*Staff may be asked to plate and pass hors d’oeuvres.

III. Breakdown of Events

Break down includes removal of all dishes and trash, replacing all Museum furniture to its original state, and the proper and sanitary cleaning of all dishes. All per diem staff will be asked to carry tables and wash dishes.

Part-Time Educator

Founded in 1988, the Tenement Museum elevates the stories of ordinary people to inspire connections to immigration and migration, past and present. The Museum is currently seeking dynamic and engaged storytellers from all backgrounds and abilities to join our Part-time Educator community.

Position Description: Part-time Educators lead public tours and school group programs for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in 97 and 103 Orchard Street, the Museum’s historic tenement buildings.

Qualifications: Tenement Museum Educators should be enthusiastic and engaging storytellers who are interested in the history of immigration and migration, as well as contemporary issues related to immigration. Successful candidates will be committed to visitor engagement, will be flexible and creative in adjusting their tour to meet the needs of visitors, are interested in working with children and teens, and devoted to the museum’s mission.

Applicants fluent in English and one or more of the following languages are strongly encouraged to apply: Cantonese, Fujianese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Individuals with experience in museum or K-12 education, or with ELL teaching experience are encouraged to apply and will be given preference. Applicants with at least a high school diploma, a GED, or relevant experience are preferred.

This position is permanent part-time work. Candidates must be available to work a set schedule of two weekdays and one weekend day per week, as well as possible evening tours (until 8pm) one day per week. Candidates should also expect to work holiday hours as needed.

Applicants must feel confident ascending/descending multiple flights of stairs daily. As 97 Orchard Street is a historic space with minimal climate control, applicants must be prepared to work in all weather conditions and feel comfortable standing for long periods of time.

Educators will:

Provide a best-in-class museum experience for all visitors and exhibit a genuine desire to work in a front-facing education role

Maintain open and professional communication with the Education Department Managers

Perform occasional administrative tasks as assigned

The Tenement Museum is devoted to training and development and all new educators are required to attend a mandatory four-day onboarding program. The mandatory orientation days are September 5th & 6th, 12th and 13th. Please ensure that you are available for these days before you submit your resume and cover letter. Starting pay rate for Part-time Educators is $18.00 per hour. Benefits include paid time off commensurate with hours worked, pre-tax transit passes, and matched contributions to the Museum’s pension plan. This position is non-exempt.

Part -Time Costumed Interpreter/Educator

Founded in 1988, the Tenement Museum elevates the stories of ordinary people to inspire connections to immigration and migration, past and present. The Museum is currently seeking dynamic and engaged storytellers from all backgrounds and abilities to join their Part-time Educator community.

Position Description:

(80%) As an Educator, the candidate will lead public tours and school group programs for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in 97 Orchard Street, the Museum’s historic tenement building.

(20%) As a Costumed Interpreter, the candidate will portray several real people who lived in the Museum’s historic tenement building at 97 Orchard Street, as part of the Museum’s Meet the Residents programming, which includes public tours and school group programs for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Most regularly, they will portray John Schneider, a 44-year-old German saloonkeeper who lived in the building in 1874.

Qualifications: Tenement Museum Educators should be enthusiastic and engaging storytellers who are interested in the history of immigration and migration, as well as contemporary issues related to immigration. Successful candidates will be committed to visitor engagement, will be flexible and creative in adjusting their tour to meet the needs of visitors, are interested in working with children and teens, and devoted to the museum’s mission.

Eligible candidates must have acting and teaching experience. They should also be very comfortable with improvisation and speaking with an accent. A candidate should demonstrate a commitment to creating believable, fully-realized characters using the background and training materials compiled by the Museum, and to achieving the educational objectives of the programs.

Applicants fluent in English and one or more of the following languages are strongly encouraged to apply: Cantonese, Fujianese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Individuals with experience in museum or K-12 education, or with ELL teaching experience are encouraged to apply and will be given preference. Applicants with at least a high school diploma, a GED, or relevant experience are preferred.

This position is permanent part-time work. Candidates must be available to work a set schedule of three days a week: Thursdays, an additional weekday, and Saturdays, as well as possible evening tours (until 8pm) on these days. Candidates should also expect to work holiday hours as needed.

Applicants must feel confident ascending/descending multiple flights of stairs daily. As 97 Orchard Street is a historic space with minimal climate control, applicants must be prepared to work in all weather conditions and feel comfortable standing for long periods of time.

Maintain open and professional communication with the Education Department Managers

Perform occasional administrative tasks as assigned

The Tenement Museum is devoted to training and development and all new educators are required to attend a mandatory four-day onboarding program. The mandatory orientation days are September 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th. Please ensure that you are available for these days before you submit your resume and cover letter. Starting pay rate for Part-time Educators is $18.00 per hour.

Benefits include paid time off commensurate with hours worked, pre-tax transit passes, and matched contributions to the Museum’s pension plan. This position is non-exempt.

Receiving Associate

The Receiving Associate will become well-versed in shop merchandise, both books and gifts, as well as in all museum programs, tours, and events. Splitting his/her time between the back of house and sales floor. He/she will receive merchandise and manage stock spaces, the Sales@tenement.org email and assist in inventory management. He/she will actively engaging customers in the shop and operate both Retail Pro and Altru; this includes ringing up shop sales, selling tickets, collecting donations and selling memberships.

There is potential for the right candidate to take on some management of shop.tenement.org – including writing copy, taking & editing images, and managing orders, promotions & gift guides.

Responsibilities:

Receiving Merchandise: Sign for shipments, create purchase orders, receiving vouchers and submit AP payment requests under the supervision of the Receiving & Administration Manager. Be able to identify and resolve shipping discrepancies, by calling vendors. Manage damage shipments and process credits. Bring carts of merchandise to the sales floor and place merchandise.

Working the Sales Floor: Open or close the shop, process Retail Pro purchases and returns, handle cash according to established procedures. Become an expert on Retail Pro and mobile POS. Be a leader in responding to emergencies and tech issues.

Familiarity with Merchandise: Take an active role in becoming knowledgeable in both the book and gift merchandise by being curious about the inventory and asking questions.

Selling Merchandise: Become confident in hand selling merchandise off of the sales floor. Engage customers in order to make book and gift recommendations. Answering phone requests about inventory in the shop. Fulfilling and shipping web orders.

Maintaining Sales Floor: Work with buyers to maintain the sales floor by straightening, organizing, cleaning, and restocking merchandise throughout the day and at end of shift. Have a strong sense of shop identity and editorial statement; able to place merchandise to support the themes and narratives present in the shop.

Assist in Inventory Management: Track sales of merchandise and take cycle counts throughout the year. Participate in the annual inventory.

Support the Visitor Services team: Act as a resource on product information as well as information about the Tenement Museum. Have broad understanding of museum programs and be able to sell tours and programs. Assist in managing floor traffic and direct visitors to Museum facilities. Be knowledgeable of the neighborhood and be able to make recommendations to visitors on restaurants and attractions.

Exemplifying professional and ethical behaviors; follow all Tenement Museum policy and procedures.

Actively seeks new challenges and increased responsibility.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required. Prior experience working with computers is required, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Photoshop and Microsoft 365 are desirable.

An Interest/passion for reading and books, especially those related to New York History and immigration, migration & refugees.

This is a physically demanding position requiring frequent lifting and carrying of cartons and books. It also demands standing much of the time. There are regular weekend hours as well as evenings and holidays as needed.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter and a list of your three favorite stores to shop at and why at our career portal.

Request for Proposals: Curriculum Development

Request for Proposals: Curriculum Develpment

Background

Founded in 1988, the Tenement Museum preserves and shares the stories of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, past and present. For thirty years, the Museum has forged emotional connections between visitors and immigrants past and present, and enhanced appreciation for the role immigrants and migrants play in shaping the American identity. The Museum’s guided tours of recreated apartments in 97 and 103 Orchard Street interpret real family stories from the 19th and 20th Centuries using primary sources, objects, and collaborative storytelling to engage visitors, and our Your Story, Our Story initiative offers an online platform for students and visitors to share a piece of their own family history with the Tenement Museum. As part of our recently implemented five-year strategic plan, we will work to expand our reach and impact, tell a broader range of stories, and to become a leading voice in the national conversations around immigration, migration and American identity.

The museum’s annual visitorship of 250,000 people includes about 50,000 local and national K-12 students. Our school programs combine inquiry-based learning with personal experiences; by engaging students with social studies practices in an immersive learning environment, Tenement Museum programs create opportunities for students to understand how ordinary people have shaped the past and how we all play a part in shaping the future. Through understanding their own agency in shaping history, and how their stories connect to American History, Tenement Museum school programs also aim to break down common myths about American immigration, combat stereotyping, and offer students space to understand how history is constructed. Expanding on and informed by the methodology of our onsite work with students, the Tenement Museum will be creating a set of curriculum units focused on immigration and migration.

Project Overview

Through this call for proposals, the Tenement Museum seeks a partner to develop curriculum units for New York City and New York State teachers to implement in classrooms during their study of immigration. Based on our decades of experience connecting students to the local, place-based history of immigration in New York City, this curriculum will center personal experiences in the study of immigration. These units will integrate the Tenement Museum’s resources with historic context and universally-designed social studies instruction to foster civic engagement, build empathy in the classroom community, challenge myths about American immigration, reframe who’s included in conversation about immigration and migration, and connect personal experiences of migration across time and place.

Supplemental content and instructional resources, including but not limited to the Tenement Museum's sources and collections.

Through this curriculum, students will understand:

That the study of ordinary people can teach us about the past.

That learning about other people can teach us about ourselves.

How immigrants and migrants played a role in the development of New York City, New York State, and the United States.

That there are common myths about American immigration, and we can all challenge those myths when we hear them.

Diversity is intrinsic to our society, and we must all work towards building an inclusive, equitable society.

Development Process

The curriculum project team includes Tenement Museum staff from the Education, Visitor Services, and Development departments, and a Teacher Advisory Committee which will include NYC teachers and local scholars to advise and offer feedback throughout the development process. The selected curriculum designer will work closely with the internal Museum project team, as well as our external stakeholders, including scholars, partner organization staff, and a graphic designer for the project. The project will begin with one unit for 4th Grade level for New York City teachers, and we hope to expand to other grade levels and geographies in the following years; we will seek out collaborators with strong understanding of scalability and opportunities for distance learning. We aim for teachers to pilot test lesson plans in the Spring of 2019, with full curriculum launch in Fall 2019.

Deliverables:

Design and develop one curriculum unit for 4th Grade level, aligned to New York City Social Studies, C3, and Common Core Standards.

Design and co-lead a workshop for teachers to provide feedback in the development process.

Develop a plan and strategy for scaling the curriculum to other levels and geographies.

Qualifications:

Familiarity with Tenement Museum tours and programs; familiarity with immigration issues a plus.

At least 5 years of experience writing K-12 social studies curriculum in New York City or New York State.

Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning, C3 Framework and Social Justice Teaching Standards.

Two previous curriculum work samples, preferably aligned to the NYS Social Studies Framework and NYC Scope and Sequence.

A workplan and timeline with estimated budget for one curriculum unit.

To Submit:

All proposals should be submitted to Kathryn Lloyd, Director of Programs, at klloyd@tenement.org by Thursday, July 12th at midnight EST.

Volunteer opportunities at the Tenement Museum support our evening and special events programming. Responsibilities include event set-up, greeting visitors, and catering during our evening lecture series Tenement Talks. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at the Tenement Museum, please contact us at volunteer@tenement.org.

The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to making all personnel decisions without regard to age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other category protected by law.